A new feature on StudentAid.gov allows recipients to directly access their federal student aid history. This enhancement is the second step of a multi-phase project to develop a single point of entry for students accessing federal student aid information, applying for federal aid, repaying student loans, and navigating the college decision-making process. The web site, including this new feature, is completely accessible on tablets and smartphones.

Over the last two weeks, the Secretary testified on the President’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget before the House Education and Workforce Committee (remarks), the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (remarks and slides), and the Senate Budget Committee.

On April 29, the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released new guidance describing the responsibilities of colleges, universities, and public schools to address sexual violence and other forms of sex discrimination under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The guidelines — highlighted by the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault’s newreport released earlier that day — provide clarity about the requirements of Title IX around this issue. Included in the guidance are examples of proactive efforts schools can take to prevent sexual violence and remedies schools may use to end such conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. A question-and-answer document examines critical topics, including when schools should respect students’ requests for confidentiality, when schools should take immediate steps to protect students who complain about sexual violence from the alleged perpetrator and potential retaliation, and how to determine whether sexual violence occurred and the appropriate remedies for such violence. And, the guidelines clarify that its terms apply to all students, including gay and lesbian students, transgender students, and undocumented students. (Note: A related “Know Your Rights” document is available in English and Spanish.)

To make enforcement data and other resources available to students and schools, the Task Force launched a new web site:NotAlone.gov.